Screens

Summary

We don’t know who’s more famous out of Jak and Daxter and Ratchet and Clank, but it’s certainly true that PlayStation land would be a much duller place without the two duos. The former pair first caught our attention appearing in that rarest of things, a PlayStation 2 game without loading screens. That wasn’t the only remarkable thing about the Jak and Daxter games though – they were actually rather good, and funny to boot.

Now it’s time to get excited again as the twosome return, though this time around it’s not in an adventure title at all. No sirree, this time developer Naughty Dog has decided to have a go at a racing game. Well, we say ‘have a go’, but the studio is no stranger to the world of action racing, responsible as it is for Crash Bandicoot Racing, hailed by many as the Mario Kart of PlayStation and arguably better, at least than any recent iterations of Nintendo’s genre defining classic.

Being creative types, the fellows at Naughty Dog have even gone to the effort of providing a storyline for this high octane offering. Krew, the villain from J&D 2, has struck at Jak and other characters from beyond the grave, tricking them into drinking a slow acting poison. He’s not all bad, though, and there is a get out clause: they can have the antidote if they manage to fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming a champion racing driver. He’s even been good enough to supply the cars – buggies with turbo capabilities, and the potential to make use of a wide range of weaponry. Play through the championships and customise your car as you go. Racing is a thrilling affair as you bash your way round a track. Four different classes of power-up will boost your weapons, front and rear, your turbo and your health. In terms of multiplayer, there’s plenty to be getting on with: a two player split screen mode is supported and even better, you can take the game online and race in against five others. A polished looking title from a team of old hands.